Emma Sky, who has spent a lot of time in Iraq and knows what she’s talking about, rightly criticizes both the Bush and Obama administrations for Iraq. Although I disagree with her about the “no WMDs” argument, (since I think chemical weapons count as WMDs and we did find equipment and plans for nuclear capabilities), she gives a scathing critique on the utter failure and incompetence of Obama’s policy on Iraq since he took office. An important read.

The last person has been tried at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which will only hear appeals now. Augustin Ngirabatware has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for genocide, incitement to commit genocide and rape as a crime against humanity.

Italy has been pushing to keep shops open on Sunday in an attempt to spur economic growth. Of course, the Vatican is having none of that. Fuck the economy, God will save us, said no intelligent person ever.

Michael J. Totten explains why Tunisia might be the only place where the Arab Spring stands a chance.

Why Israel’s ongoing settlement building will likely make a two-state solution impossible. Who was the last President to have a competent policy on Israel? Probably George H.W. Bush whose stand was: stop building settlements or I’ll stop giving you money.